is the assad regime responsible for this? what's going on? >> reporter: well, the opposition members we're with are saying the government is the entity that shut down the internet even though we have not seen anything as widespread as this blackout we're hearing about right now. they say the government does this to prevent activists from communicating to one another, from getting information out, from uploading their videos but also to prevent the rebel fighting units from communicating to one another as well. i can tell you that where i am right now in northern syria, there is no power, no cell phone service and even the land lines are not functioning at this point. of course, it makes it incredibly difficult not just when it comes to communications but also the lack of power. it is winter, it is freezing cold right now and most people are unable to heat their homes. >> there are also reports as you know that assad's forces have been fiercely shelling aleppo. what can you tell us about that? >> reporter: well, we were driving past outskirts